For Bobby VanBebber, caring for others has always run in the family. He says from a very young age, his relatives instilled in him a strong desire to be impactful and of benefit to those around him.
While a lifelong helper, VanBebber began his healthcare career journey with Methodist College, and after working through a variety of care settings, he now serves as Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Laying the groundwork
VanBebber graduated from Methodist College in 2016. During his enrollment, he served on the Student Nurses Association and focused on building strong relationships with instructors, staff and fellow students.
“They didn’t just help me develop the skills needed to be a competent nurse - I also grew as a person and as a member of society,” VanBebber said. “My instructors shaped me in ways I never expected - they taught me how to be an effective nurse and provided the foundation I needed to become a strong leader. Methodist College was my home.”
VanBebber notes the impact his clinical rotations at Carle Health Methodist Hospital had on his development and determination.
“The clinical opportunities we were given exceeded expectations,” VanBebber said. “I was given the tools beyond what was needed and challenged to discover a higher meaning in the work I was doing.”
Career Progression
In his final semester at Methodist College, VanBebber completed his required clinical internship in the Methodist Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which he says inspired him to work in his hometown ICU following graduation.
“It equipped me with strong skills and valuable experience, allowing me to make the most of my orientation and transition confidently into practice,” VanBebber said.
He continued to learn and grow in the role, becoming part of the rapid response team, assisting with several quality improvement projects and eventually transitioning to the Emergency Department.
Having always had an interest in public health, VanBebber eventually moved into a role focused on correctional health, where he says he gained valuable hands-on experience in population health and was able to apply clinical knowledge to improve health literacy and influence patient outcomes.
After completing a master’s degree and an additional internship focused on public health, VanBebber began working for IDPH, a position he has held for more than two years.
VanBebber’s Message to Aspiring Caregivers
VanBebber credits his time at Methodist College for providing him with the tools and foundation to progress and succeed in the healthcare field.
“When I reflect on my decision to pursue a career in this field, I can say with certainty that it was the right choice. I truly can’t think of a more dynamic, meaningful, and rewarding profession, and Methodist College is such a huge part of my journey.”
He says the best advice he can offer to aspiring students is to start taking steps sooner, rather than later.
This year, Methodist College celebrates 125 years of equipping students to provide the health solutions needed to best serve the Peoria community and beyond. Throughout its history, the college has created a unique and high-quality learning environment for the area’s future nurses, healthcare administrators, social workers and other clinical care providers.
For more information on Methodist College and its history, visit methodistcol.edu and keep an eye out for more inspiring student stories like this one.